Page 16 of Finding London

“Yeah, maybe. But I became way too busy with your and your sister’s activities and all my volunteering. It was definitely easier when we got help.”

“I’m sure it was.”

I think back to all the recipes my mom used to make. Her meals were definitely more in the category of comfort food versus the low-carb vegan meals the chefs usually made. My mom has admitted that she wasn’t the best cook when it came to healthy foods, but she made the meals Grandma taught her. I suppose that’s how it goes. We learn from our parents.

Am I really like my mom?

Paige says my mom is stuck-up and self-absorbed, and maybe she is a little, but she’s truly a good person. I think I’m a good person, so we have that in common. I’m not as self-centered as my mom—at least, I don’t think I am—but that’s an area I want to work on anyway.

“Hey, Mom, do you think you could make your chicken Alfredo for dinner once before I leave?”

“Oh, I don’t know, honey. I haven’t made that in years.”

“But you still know how, and it is so good. Now that I think about it, I’m really in the mood for it. I’m sure it will cheer me up a bit.” I smile big.

“Of course it will.” Mom chuckles. “I suppose I could. It’s just not really healthy, London. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do! That’s what makes it so delicious. Let’s live a little, Mom!” My voice is full of excitement at the thought of her Alfredo. It’s that good. If I remember correctly, the sauce mainly consists of butter, heavy whipping cream, and Parmesan cheese. Okay, so it’s definitely not the healthiest, but who cares?

“Fine, I’ll prepare it. I can see how happy it makes you. So, back to your new job endeavor. Do you think you’re going to try to get an on-camera job? The news stations always hire the fresh-out-of-college cute girls to give the morning traffic and weather reports. You could start there.”

“No, I think I’m going to start off on the writing end of it. Being on camera doesn’t sound as exciting as it used to. Now, I’m more interested in the investigative and journalism aspect. Maybe I will look into some freelance writing opportunities.” My minor is in writing, and I’ve always loved telling a good story on paper.

My mom nods. “That sounds like a great place to start.” She stands and looks back down to me. “By the way, when should I plan this meal for?”

“I think I’m going to fly out on Sunday, so before then.”

“Sunday?” My mom’s voice rises an octave. “You will not have been here for two weeks.”

I stand from the chaise and wrap my arms around her tiny waist. “I’ll miss you, too, Mom.” I release my hug.

“But—” she starts to protest.

“Mom, I really need to get back and get my whole grown-up life started, you know?”

“Why don’t you just move down here? There is nothing keeping you in Michigan. You graduated, and you don’t have anyone up there.”

“I have Paige, Mom.”

“True, but Paige will always be your friend, no matter where you live. I just think it’s time for you to move home.”

“Home?” I laugh loudly. “Mom, have you even lived here for a full month yet? I don’t know if I’ve been to Kentucky prior to this visit. This isn’t home for me.”

“Yeah, you’ve been to this state before—when you were little.”

“Well, I’ve lived in Ann Arbor for four years now, which is the longest I think I’ve ever lived in one place, so it feels more like home there anyway.”

“I guess I was thinking that home was where your family was.”

“I get that, Mom. But Paige is my family, too. And, to be honest, you and Dad probably won’t be here that long. So, what good would it do for me to get a job here just to have you move in a year? Then, I’ll be stuck here, alone. At least in Michigan, I have Paige.”

She sighs. “I see your point.”

“How about this? I will look for jobs everywhere and pick the one that gives me the best opportunity. Who knows? I could get an amazing offer from a Louisville-based company.”

“That would be great, London. Thank you. All I ask is that you keep your options open and give this area a chance.”

“I will.”

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